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Sputum
Okay, this is not the most pleasant topic to discuss or to experience.
Diagnosed at NJH with NTM & bronchiectasis in 2011. I've failed two trials of the big 3 so I've used 7% saline once a day. I've always been a non-productive cougher so more than anything the coughing seems to irritate my throat and esophagus. Three major "scare the pants off of me" episodes of hemoptysis over the years have left me traumatized by the sight of blood. For the past few days I've been coughing up small amounts of sputum streaked with small amounts of fresh red blood. I'm trying not to panic ( can't be Covid...haven't been anywhere in 3 years except to NJH). I haven't contacted my local pulmonologist yet because it will take him far longer to respond than it will those of you who've walked in my shoes. My question is does anyone else experience this? What do you do? Stop nebulizing? Jump off a cliff? Say a prayer? (I do!) Honestly, I feel very alone and discouraged and afraid. I SO appreciate having a place I can say these things!
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I was diagnosed with MAC in 2014. This is my 3rd mycrobacteria infection. Treated at NJH.
Never had a cough. Never had any sputum, ever. Then, I felt a gurgle in my chest, Blood. I was terrified too. I went to ER, sent me home when it stopped. My doctor at time, said if its less than half a cup and slows to streaks, stay home. Nothing done. So, I had a few more, and stayed home, my heart pounding.
I got a new doctor. Over years, I have developed sputum, and have had streaking and some small clots! I know, it's so awful to see. I call my doctor. I usually need a culture, that usually grows something, needing various meds.
Still doing ok with MAC. No treatment yet. Please call your doctor. Even if it takes a few days, mine does too. You need to find out why your bleeding. It is terrifying. I know it is, but you'll feel better when you do.
Some, not all, with bronchiectasis bleed. Some often, some not. At least thats what Ive been told! Doctor should know! Ease your mind and call!
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1 ReactionIt was the terrifying repeated bleeding that led to a bronchoscopy and diagnosis of MAC with a coinfection of staph aureus for me. It was the coinfection that led to the large bleeds. Once I cleared up the staph aureus I never had a large bleed again. So be sure you are getting a good sputum culture in for testing when you have a large bleed.
I have to be careful with 7% as it can cause the small streak type bleeds due to irritation. Same with overly agressive airway clearance. My pulmonologist says to stop nebulizing or doing aggressive airway clearance when there’s blood. So maybe try not nebbing the 7% for a few days and see if it stops.
You will learn what your lungs can tolerate and what irritates them too much.
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2 ReactionsI just went off of meds...I can occassionally have a very small amount of blood in the sputum if and when it comes up. My doctor wasn't concerned. I'm on a 3% solution. A quarter cup or more of blood, he told me I should contact him asap about it. Otherwise, it's discussed when I see him.
Glad you heard from the doctor. His explanation is similar to what my doctor has told me regarding blood. I was told that harsh coughing will cause a blood vessel to burst. If the blood is a bright red, that is probably the cause. If it is a darker red, it has been in the lower region. I was told if the amount equals more than 2 tbs. to head to the ER. It seem when I do produce a darker color a flare up is near. Good luck.
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